RCAAP Repository

Lyrifissella new genus and Lyrifissellidae new family (Acari, Oribatei) are described. The type species, Pedrocortesella latoclava Hammer, 1966, from Milford, New Zealand, is fully redescribed from the holotype. The congeneric species, Pedrocortesella cryptonota Hammer, 1966, Lake Ratoitis, New Zealand, is compared with the type species and transferred to the new genus. Plateremaeus vestitus Tragardh, 1931, the species thought to be very close to Plateremaeus ornatissimus (Berlese), and which was erroneously used to characterize Plateremaeus and Plateremaeidae, causing them to be misunderstood for about five decades, is now placed in Lyrifissella.

The present paper deals with the recharacterization of the Gymnodamaeoidea and the erection of Plateremaeoidea n. grad. (Acari, Oribatei). Gymnodamaeidae Grandjean, Aleurodamaeidae Paschoal & Johnston, and Idiodamaeidae Paschoal are recognised under the Gymnodamaeoidea. Plateremaeidae Tragardh, Pheroliodidae Paschoal, Nooliodidae Paschoal, Hammeriellidae Paschoal, Lyrifissellidae Paschoal, Pedrocortesellidae Paschoal, Licnodamaeidae Grandjean and Licnobelbidae Grandjean are included in Plateremaeoidea. A key to the families and genera of Gymnodamaeoidea and Plateremaeoidea is also provided.

The present paper is the first part of the catalogue of marine fishes belonging to the collection of the Laboratory of Ichthyology (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-RJ) to be published. Here are included Chondrichthyes (Rajiformes) and part of Osteichthyes, Teleostei (Elopiformes to Dactylopteriformes) in a total amount of 30 families, 52 genera and 62 species. The most part of the material have been collected at the littoral of the State of Rio de Janeiro. For each species considered is given the vulgar name (when known in Southeastern Brazil), the known distribution (in Western Atlantic Ocean) and some data as collecting locality, total number of collected specimens and the register number in the collection. Scorpaena isthmensis Meek & Hildebrand, 1928 (Scorpaenidae) is for the first time mentioned for the Southern littoral of Brazil.

The adjustment of Calomys callosus (Rodentia, Cricetidae) to intermittent food deprivation was investigated. Animals subjected either to 24-hr or to 48-hr repeated periods of deprivation successfully compensated, showing (1) increases in post-fast intake relatively to the intake by control animals; (2) rapid recovery of the baseline levels of body wieght. The regulatory ability of C. callosus is comparable, in such respects, to the ability of the common rat and some other rodents but it is remarkably different from the hamster's.

Studies on reproduction dynamics and growth of Hoplias malabaricus were carried out in Monjolinho Reservoir (São Carlos/SP) and the following conclusions were reached to: the reproductive period occurs in September and October. The mean values of replection and gonadosomatic index and condition factor increased during the reproductive period. The size of the first sexual maturation of females was observed at 16,7 cm. The fecundity, that is relatively low, was related with total length and weight of females. The growth curve suggests a slow growth of this species.

The tadpole of Atelopus pulcher is described for the first time. Tadpoles of this species were encountered in large streams where reproduction occurs. Tadpoles of this species conform to the genus characteristics in exhibiting an enlarged ventral disc and a 2/3 tooth row formula. One characteristic, however, distinguishes this species from other Atelopodids in that the upper beak is shorter than the lower beak.

A method for chronological age determination based on mesothoracic post-phragma post-emergence deposition of chitin is used for Chrysomya putoria and Phaenicia cuprina (Diptera, Calliphoridae). The age of these species were obtained by the maximum period of deposition which were of 11-12 days.

In the absence of the queen, a few workers of F. s. languida developed their ovaries forming nevertheless, only one follicle with a single oocyte which was unable to form yolk spheres. They never showed signals of degeneration or resorption. The corpora allata were homogeneous during all the 5 months of orphanage studied. Its activity might be low but constant, able to maintain the follicle entire, but unable to promote the yolk spheres assembly.

No summary/description provided

In this paper are presented the composition of the genus Menosoma Ball, the description of a new species - Menosoma picta sp. n. (from Argentina) - and a new combination for Huachia flavolineata Linnavuori & DeLong, with description of the male.

Vestistilus distinctus sp. n. is described from Puerto Quito, Equador.

Poeciloscarta mielkei sp. n. (from Rondônia, Brazil) is described. (Homoptera, Cicadellidae).

A key to the South American species of Winthemia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 is presented. 14 species, three of which described as new, are recognized: W. analis (Macquart, 1846); W. bicrucis (Townsend, 1932); W. brasiliensis (Townsend, 1927); W. ignobilis (Wulp, 1890); W. patagomca (Blanchard, 1963); W. picea (Walker, 1852); W. pinguioides (Townsend, 1934); W. singularis Reinhard, 1931; W. tricolor (Wulp, 1890); W. trinitatis Thompson, 1963; W. xanthocera (Wiedemann, 1830); W. augusta sp. n. (from Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil); W. authentica sp. n. (from Cáceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil) and W. pandurata sp. n. (from Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The following new synonyms are established: Bicruciosturmia Townsend, 1932 = Winthemia R. - D 1830; Hemimasipoda alabamae Townsend, 1940 = W. aureonigra Thompson, 1963 = W. roblesi Valencia, 1972 = W. singularis Reinhard, 1931; Prowinthemia paraguayensis Townsend, 1928 = W. mina Reinhard, 1931 = W. tricolor (Wulp, 1890); W. reliqua Cortés & Campos, 1970 = W. trinitatis Thompson, 1963. The geographical distribution and illustration for all species are also provided.

Information about standard karyotypes, G-band, C-band and Ag-NOR staining patterns and other chromosomal data are reviewed for species of the New World bats. Techniques for collecting and processing the specimens, for the preparation of G- and C-band chromosomes and for staining of nucleolus organizer regions are described. Systematic implication are also discussed.

A systematic revision of the species of Palpibracus Rondani, 1864 from South America is presented. This genus was formerly placed in Phaoniini but through the study of the chaetotaxy and the new characters or with reinterpretation of those already known, is here proposed its transferrence to Azeliinae, Reinwardtiini. Some remarks on this new systematic position are analysed. The following species are redescribed: P. apicalis, P. chilensis, P. confusus, P. fasciculatus, P. lancifer, P. nigriventris, P. pilosus, P. reynoldsi, P. separatus. P. similis, P. spicatus, P. trivittatus, P. univittatus and P. veneris. Palpibracus albuquerquei sp. n., from Angol, Chile, is described. A new combination for Phaonia peruviana Malloch, 1929 is proposed - Palpibracus peruvianus nov. comb. - and Darwinomyia angolensis Malloch, 1934 is considered as a new synonym. A key and maps of geographical distribution of the species are given.

No summary/description provided

This study investigated the effects of forest fragment size and habitat structure on species richness and diversity of Brazilian Atlantic forest small mammal communities. During the course of 17 months of live-trapping, a total of 57, 120 trap nights accumulated in six forest plots. There were three size categories: small (60-80 ha.), medium (860 ha) and large (35, 973 ha). At each site two forest sections were selected for small mammal sampling: one in primary and another in secondary succession stage. A total of 692 individuals belonging to 19 species were trapped 1, 366 times. Species diversity was measured using the Shannon-Wiener index H' and also a weighted version of this index that takes into account the number of individuals of each species trapped at the forests. The modified index was developed specifically for this study. The richest and most diverse forest for small mammals was the large secondary fragment, while the least diverse was the small mammal community of the small primary forest. Overall, species diversity is lower among primary forests, and also in forests of decreasing size. However, area sizel species relationship was only observed among secondary forests. It is postulated that primary forests are less complex habitats, when compared to secondary habitats in mid-stages of succession. Therefore, area size/species relationships should only be applied to conservation schemes if habitat structure is taken into account. By using multivariate regression methods in the investigation of the structural and size predictors of small mammal species diversity, it was possible to separate the effects of area size from those of habitat structure. Approximately half of the variance in small mammal species diversity between secondary forest fragments can be explained by area size, while habitat structure accounts for about 45% of the variation.

During the XVI Century, France succeeded in establishing a few colonies in the Americas. Equinoctial France was a short-lived venture, but one that left an indelible mark upon the island of São Luis, in the State of Maranhão, Brazil. Two remarkable reports on the shape of the colony, its geographical features, climate, ethnography, botany, and zoology are among the first contributions to the natural history of Northeastern Brazil. Description of the habits of common animals, together with zoogeographical records are useful for the modem zoologist. This paper brings together the recorded information on the mammals of Maranhão, as described and depicted by two French friars and one Portuguese, who lived in the island during the first half of the XVIth Century.

Two species of Paratrigona - myrmecophila sp. n. and pannosa sp. n. - from Amazonian region are described.

The lectotype of Papilo bixae Linnaeus, designated by Hemming (1964) based on the figure of Merian (1705), was found in the Wiesbaden Museum, and here with considered as such. It corresponds to Pyrrhopyge phidias bixae; Evans (1951). Two syntypes of Papilo proteus Linnaeus, 1758, were also found in the same Museum and one of them was selected as lectotype. These lectotypes are figured for the first time.